Qdoba rolls out two new cheesy items, just in time for Queso for a Kiss

Fast-casual operations took off fast in Colorado. Two years after Steve Ells opened the first Chipotle at 1644 East Evans Avenue, Qdoba Mexican Grill got its start here -- originally as Zuma, then Z-Teca. Today the company is owned by Jack in the Box, and if it hasn't grown to the 1,500-plus locations stature of Chipotle, it's still going strong.

And unlike Chipotle, Qdoba serves queso. In fact, today the chain is rolling out two new variations: Queso Diablo and Queso Verde.

"Our 3-Cheese Queso is the most popular item on our menu and something we know our guests share an unwavering passion for," said Ted Stoner, head chef and director of Menu Development for Qdoba, in a release announcing the new dishes. "So when we were looking for inspiration for new menu items, we needed to look no further than our own menu."

The Queso Diablo features a blend of fiery jalapenos and smoky chipotles and Queso Verde adds fresh cilantro and lime juice; both use Qdoba's 3-Cheese Queso as their base. And you can try them all in the Queso Sampler.

And on Valentine's Day, in the Queso for a Kiss promotion, if you smooch someone special -- or just anyone who's willing -- at a Qdoba location, when you buy an entree, you'll get a second free. With or without the queso.